MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Division of Drug and Crime Control - P.O. Box 568, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102


News Release

For further information please contact: Master Sergeant Shawn Griggs
573-526-6236
02/03/23
February 3, 2023

EMPHASIS: Bonne Terre, Missouri Man Arrested For Promotion of Child Pornography

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the following arrest, as the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Division of Drug and Crime Control’s Digital Forensics Investigative Unit. The Patrol was assisted by the Bonne Terre Police Department.

On Thursday, February 2, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Johnnie L. Lewis, 35, on Mound Street in Boone Terre, Missouri. As a result of their search, investigators seized child pornography and electronic devices. Lewis was arrested for promotion of child pornography and transported to the St. Francois County Jail. The St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged Lewis with one count of promotion of child pornography and four counts of possession of child pornography. Lewis is being held at the St. Francois County Jail with a bond of $250,000.

The Division of Drug and Crime Control encourages internet users to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children. The Digital Forensics Investigative Unit is partially funded by the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Twitter @MSHPTrooperDDCC

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